Seattle, Washington. September 16, 2008 –Christine Keff, chef and owner of the Flying Fish in Seattle, was inducted into the Pacific Northwest Salmon Center’s Wild Salmon Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 13th. Keff is the first chef to win this award, which honors those who demonstrate a passion for the preservation of sustainable wild salmon populations.

Christine Keff opened Flying Fish in Seattle in 1995. She took farmed salmon off the menu in 1996, opting instead to serve only wild-caught salmon and preserve the local farm, and ocean, to table connection. With Alaska supplying 90% of all wild-caught salmon in North America, Keff has been a supporter of Alaska’s sustainable fisheries for years.

When she’s not in the kitchen, Keff is still working to educate people about sustainable wild salmon, as evidenced by her participation on the Wild Alaska Seafood Congress of Conscious Chefs.  This partnership with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) aims to share with the public the benefits of wild and sustainable Alaska seafood, including salmon, from a culinary, health and environmental perspective. She also hosts cooking classes and luncheons every year, inviting local salmon fishermen to discuss life as a fisherman and the importance of wild salmon in the Pacific Northwest.  Her website also offers educational information to help consumers understand sustainability.

Since opening it’s doors, Keff and Flying Fish have received numerous accolades from media and culinary institutions, including Sante Magazine Grand Award 2006, Cooking Light ‘Best Seafood in Seattle’ 2008, New York Times “Top Twenty Green Cuisine Restaurants in the Country” 2004, Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence 2001, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2000-2004, and James Beard Award “Best Chef Northwest and Hawaii” 1999.

The Pacific Northwest Salmon Center is an education and resource facility dedicated to conducting research, outreach and raising public awareness to aid the preservation of wild Pacific Northwest salmon runs for future generations.

Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Alaska statehood.  The framers of the Alaska Constitution recognized the importance of protecting Alaska's abundant natural resources, and included in their landmark document a mandate that "fish...be utilized, developed, and maintained on the sustained yield principle." This dedication to sustainable management has resulted in an ever-replenishing supply of wild seafood for markets around the world. ASMI is a partnership of the State of Alaska and the Alaska seafood industry, promoting Alaska Seafood in the U.S. and key overseas markets, and offering seafood industry education.

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Contact: Claudia Hogue

Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute